It’s tailgating time! That all-important warm weather tailgating season is upon us. Thank goodness! No more parkas in the parking lot. The boys of summer are back!

So, are you watching some Major League baseball on TV? Have you been to a game yet? Do you plan to? It’s time to play ball!

Well, whether you’re going to a game or enjoying it in the comfort of your own domain, we all can enjoy those baseball games a lot more if we’re well fed. And to me, that’s the most enjoyable part. Yeah, I like the sport part. The game is a blast. But isn’t tailgating a sport all unto itself?

I think so. And as a sport, it’s got some rules – just like baseball!

Now, to be a winner at tailgating we’ve got to be prepared. So let’s go over a tailgating checklist so we do this thing right.

1. Have the right tools. Literally, that can mean spatulas and steak knives. But it also can mean having the right steak recipes in hand. Nothing too elaborate. But definitely high on flavor.

2. Bring your A game. If necessary, get some individual coaching. Like some grilling steak tips from a pro. Watch videos. Read articles. Ask a chef.

3. Choose the right steaks. Quality is important. A high quality steak is the first ingredient in a great tailgating party.

4. Make sure everyone is covered. Have enough food for everyone – but also the right food for everyone. Know your audience.

5. Have fun! That’s what it’s really all about!

With this checklist in mind, you can plan out a fantastic tailgating party. Baseball season is in full swing so let’s have some fun!

This tailgating thing is serious business so let’s give it the preparation it deserves! Your stomach will thank you!

It seems as though there is a “day” for everything nowadays. But I figure, that way, everyone can be happy on at least one of those days. Right?

As it happens, National Beer Day is today. And I have a feeling LOTS of people are going to be happy about that.

At this time of year, beer and baseball are a natural pairing – if you’re WATCHING baseball, that is. And, hey, beef and beer go great together, too. So, let’s whip out our steak recipes and pair ‘em with some beer while we watch ourselves some baseball. Not only is it National Beer Day, but it’s tailgating time!

Maybe you’ve got some ideas and favorite beers in mind. But if you’d like to expand your palate, I can help you out with your beer selections. Allow me to share with you my tailgater’s guide to beer pairings for your quick reference when it’s game time…

First up, how about a hearty Ribeye Steak Sandwich? Delicious while watching some baseball. Feel free to pair it with an English Pale Ale or American Brown Ale. The beer’s flavor is ideal for that steak sandwich.

Going to serve BBQ Beef Burnt Ends at your tailgate gathering? Those bite-sized pieces of slow cooked, hickory smoked brisket will go magnificently with a Stout or Porter. Both beers offer the roasty bitterness that darkened malts are known for and they go great with this barbecue beef. Perfecto!

Any Kansas City bbq you might serve would be enhanced by a Brown Ale. This beer is a little less aggressive than the Porters and Stouts but are still similar. And it might ease you into the dark beer stratosphere. So if you like the sound of that, give it a go!

Have fun creating your own beef and beer taste pairings this baseball season. And when you do, toast to National Beer Day for me!

The great American pastime of baseball excites me for so many reasons. And I’m so glad it’s baseball time!

My two boys are serious about baseball so I spend a lot of time watching the sport. My husband coaches, too. It’s a real family affair. And it’s so fun to see my kids learn life lessons on the field about teamwork and sportsmanship, graceful winning and gracious defeat. But, I really just love springtime and the camaraderie and competition.

Plus, you know, there’s food.

I mean, baseball tailgating is some of the best there is. From major league ballparks on down to youth baseball tournament venues, there’s always tailgating. Always.

And whether you’re grilling out in a parking lot or in your own backyard watching an MLB game, it’s so fun to cook some steaks and just enjoy. It’s all part of the experience. SOME might even say it’s the BEST part of the experience.

If you’re feeding a large group – say an entire youth baseball team, plus parents and siblings in between games – it’s smart to offer different types of steak so that everyone is happy.

Throw on some burgers and hot dogs, too, and you’ve got yourself quite the tailgating experience. Believe me, everyone else will be jealous because they will be able to smell your party. And it will be enticing!

Looking for some steak recipes to try to wow your group? I like this one for Grilled Ribeye Steak. It requires marinating beforehand but it’s oh so worth it!

Or, if you’re in an adults-only setting, try this Jack and Coke marinade. It’s so delicious and, really, it doesn’t taste like whiskey. That’s just a great marinade ingredient.

Now, what you drink WITH your steak is entirely up to you.

What do you like to cook for your baseball tailgate parties? Share your ideas with me!